A new era dawned as Genesis officially presented the highly anticipated Genesis G70 luxury performance sedan at the Hyundai·Genesis Design Center in Namyang.

Dr. Woong-Chul Yang, Vice Chairman of the Hyundai Motor Group's R&D Division, key Genesis brand officials, and approximately 300 international automotive journalists participated in the activities. The G70 goes on sale in Korea on September 20th, with timing for its rollout in other markets to be announced soon.

"The Genesis G70 is the latest demonstration of our dedication to delivering innovative, customer-oriented vehicles," said Vice Chairman Yang. "We will continue to focus our R&D efforts on the development and expansion of the Genesis brand. It is a great point of pride to have Genesis showcase what a true luxury brand of Korean origin can present to our discerning customers."

The Genesis G70 is an athletic sedan characterized by its graceful and dynamic exterior styling; elegant and intuitively designed interior; choice of three different powertrains. Customers will be able to select between a turbocharged 3.3-liter gasoline V6, a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline I4, and a 2.2-liter I4 diesel models.

The Genesis G70 also incorporates numerous advanced driver assist systems such as Highway Driving Assist (HDA), best-in-class safety with nine standard airbags and active hood function, and a high level of connectivity with server-based voice recognition technology, using Kakao Corp's artificial intelligence platform.Hot stamping methods and extended use of structural adhesives have been employed to enhance torsional rigidity and improve overall body stiffness.

"G70 Seoul 2017"

To commemorate this important moment, 15,000 people will celebrate the official unveiling of the G70 at "G70·Seoul 2017," a global launch festival held on September 15th, 2017 in Seoul's Olympic Park.

"The launch of the Genesis G70 is an important milestone for our brand," said Manfred Fitzgerald, Head of Genesis Division. "We deliberately chose Seoul, as this is our place of origin. This is where we are coming together with our customers and friends in the music industry to celebrate as a people's festival."

"G70 Seoul 2017" is a brand celebration of Genesis and the new G70, featuring global music superstars Gwen Stefani, Andra Day and CL. While attendance is capped at 15,000, more than 80,000 people expressed interest in being part of the festivities.

Completing the Genesis sedan lineup

The G70 completes the Genesis brand's sedan lineup, along with the G90 flagship and mid-luxury G80. The arrival of G70 further strengthens the Genesis brand's presence in the global luxury market.

In November 2015, Genesis launched and set out to compete with the world's top luxury automakers as a Korean brand. To differentiate itself in the luxury segment, Genesis strives to make a positive impact in the lifestyles of its discerning customers through a progressive and innovative approach to performance and design excellence.

Genesis launched the flagship G90 sedan in December 2015, followed by the G80 sedan in July 2016 in Korea. Since the brand's inception, Genesis has sold more than 150,000 units, with strong performances in both Korea and the U.S.

Genesis has also received many accolades, most recently, ranking highest among premium automakers in the J.D. Power 2017 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), topping all 13 brands in the premium segment.

The Genesis G70 marks the completion of Genesis sedan line-up and the brand will now start strengthening its lineup with SUVs and alternative powertrains. Genesis plans to roll out new products to expand its presence and coverage across the global market and six models are expected in its product portfolio by 2021.

An Exterior with Genesis' Unique Design Identity

The all-new Genesis G70 showcases the future direction of the Genesis brand's design identity.

Athletic elegance is represented in the exterior styling, as the car captures both beauty and tension, like an athlete poised to perform.

Luc Donckerwolke, Head of Genesis Design, said, "At Genesis, we shape fascination and desire with the passion, dedication and talent from our designers. We modulated all parameters from the Genesis DNA to tailor a sports sedan. This challenge required the highest skills and know-how. The G70 is designed to captivate all senses with its sensuous and tensioned muscular volumes."

The long hood and short front overhang, elegant roofline and assertive multi-spoke alloy wheels combine to form a sleek, dynamic profile, subtly highlighted by dark chrome aero trim.

The hockey stick daylight opening and parabolic sidelines further express the unique design signatures of Genesis, displaying fast and dramatic energy with voluptuous forms and smooth surfaces.

From the front and side, the G70's prominent crest-type grille, character lines extending from the hood emblem, and pronounced air intakes communicate the muscular performance that the car is capable of.

Two distinctive linear LED DRLs on each side of the large crest grille foreshadow the future Genesis signature quad lamps.

In the rear, the LED rear combination lamps continue the quad lamp theme, while the raised trunk lid and compact bumper designs give the G70 a poised character. The rear lamps, evolved from the G80, have been stretched to the end of the rear to convey a wide and dynamic stance.

A Sophisticated, Driver-Focused Interior

Genesis G70's interior is configured to prioritize an excellent user experience, with superb fit and finish throughout. The interior packaging reflects the thoughtfulness that drives the Genesis brand, with a priority on simplicity and an emphasis on genuine functionality instead of gimmickry.

A horizontal layout brings a sense of stability and the driver-focused packaging provides a comfortable driving environment, with intuitively laid out switchgear and a comfortable, assertive sport steering wheel.

Genesis designers employed premium materials throughout, including aluminum door handles, quilted leather door panels, metal speaker grills and high-quality soft touch surfaces. Nappa leather seats further add to the dynamic yet elegant interior.

The Genesis G70 offers a wide range of unique and sophisticated color options that properly reflect global trends to meet client demand.

Ten exterior colors are available: Platinum Silver, Carbon Metal, Marble White, Titanium Black, Racing Gray, Graceful Gray, Lapis Blue, Royal Blue, Blazing Red and Umber Brown.

A new paint-finishing method separates small, evenly distributed aluminum particles and high luminosity colors, maximizing the brilliance of the exterior colors.

The passenger cabin is available in five different colors: Obsidian Black, Sandstorm Gray, Velvet Burgundy, Tobacco Brown and Vanilla Beige. Two additional interior colors, which are Sports Gray and Sports Red will be dedicated to the G70 Sport and the high-end trim level for the 2.0T.

Driving Character -- Agile Yet Safe, Dynamic Yet Quiet

The Genesis G70 offers three powertrains - a 3.3-liter V6 gasoline turbo, 2.0-liter I4 gasoline turbo and a 2.2-liter I4 diesel. The 3.3-liter V6 turbo is the backbone of the enthusiast-focused "G70 Sport."

The Genesis G70 Sport is equipped with the Lambda II 3.3-liter V6 turbo GDI engine, with 370 PS and maximum torque of 52.0kgf·m.

Genesis G70 Sport is a dynamic and powerful performer with 0 to 100 kph (62.5 mph) acceleration in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 270 kph (167/168 mph). Variable-ratio steering and electronically controlled suspension are standard to provide agile steering response and an optimal ride-and-handling experience.

The Genesis G70 2.0 turbo gasoline model is equipped with the Theta-II 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine, with 252 PS and maximum torque of 36.0kgf·m. (Sports package: 255 PS)

The Genesis G70 2.2 diesel model is equipped with the R 2.2 VGT engine with 202 PS horsepower and maximum torque of 45.0kgf·m.

Dynamic performance features include:

• Launch Control - Maximizes power control in acceleration mode
• Rack-mounted, motor-driven power steering (R-MDPS) and multi-link rear suspension - Provides precise handling and comfortable ride
• Dynamic torque vectoring system - Improves vehicle cornering control
• Mechanical limited slip differential (M-LSD) - Allows safe driving capabilities in low friction road conditions such as rain, snow and ice

The seat positions have been adjusted to lower the center of gravity of the car to maximize performance. To augment the driving experience, the Active Sound Design (ASD) system creates an aural character that reflects the engine load and driving mode settings.

Noise, vibration and harshness have been minimized in the G70 through enhancements in multiple areas including vehicle body structure; exhaust system; sound absorption and isolation; suspension and body frame connection; and the design of the side mirrors and door sealing systems.

The performance-focused sedan has been tested under the most challenging environments and surfaces in the world, including Death Valley (U.S.), northern Sweden, the Nürburgring (Germany) and the Alps (Austria) for driving stability, handling, durability and power delivery.

Best-in-Class Safety

Following the trend of the G90 and G80, the G70 offers the most comprehensive levels of safety in its class. Overall body stiffness and rigidity have been dramatically strengthened.

The Genesis G70 has also been designed to help protect pedestrians - when imminent impact with a pedestrian is detected, its active hood function operates by lifting the hood to absorb shock and minimize the risk of injury.

An unparalleled suite of advanced driver assist systems such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Blind spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Driver Awareness Warning (DAW) have been added as part of the 'Genesis Active Safety Control' to offer the highest level of safety and convenience in its class.

The FCA system provides added safety with newly developed technology designed not only to protect vehicles and pedestrians, but also cyclists on the road. It automatically activates emergency braking through integrated radar-camera sensors when detecting bicycles.

'Genesis Active Safety Control' is the brand's newly labeled advanced driver assist system package previously known as 'Genesis Smart Sense.'

Genesis aims to receive the highest ratings from both international and domestic organizations including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Korea New Car Assessment Program (KNCAP).

Exceptional Comfort and Convenience

The Genesis G70 incorporates a diverse range of advanced technologies that deliver ultimate convenience and connectivity.

An example includes the smart posture control system, initially introduced in the G90. When the driver's body information is input, the system automatically adjusts the seat, steering wheel, outside mirror and heads-up display to the optimal position, ensuring minimal stress even on long journeys.

The Genesis G70 provides a diverse range of advanced convenience and connectivity, including an 8-inch touch screen display supporting MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Genesis G70 will also be the first vehicle in Korea to feature server-based voice recognition technology, using Kakao's artificial intelligence platform 'Kakao I.'

For the best audio performance, a 15-speaker Lexicon surround-sound system is available to provide an audiophile-level acoustic experience.

Hyundai's posher offshoot now has a small saloon contender. Looks alright, no?

The world can’t have enough rear-wheel-drive saloon cars with turbo V6 power, right? Here’s the latest challenger to the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class: meet the Genesis G70.

Europeans might be scratching their heads right now, but Americans will be nodding knowledgeably and saying “Of course, the latest project from Hyundai’s premium offshoot, aiming to leapfrog Lexus and Infiniti”.

The G70 is aiming at Korean, US and Russian markets first, slotting in beneath the G80 and G90 saloons in the Genesis line-up, just like BMW offers a 3-, 5- and 7-Series to choose between. And first off, it looks rather handsome. Check out that front wing vent, the AMG-style wheels, and how short the overhangs are. Maybe it’s not as gorgeous as an Alfa Romeo Giulia, but a Jaguar XE looks quite dated all of a sudden…

Audi designers might be having a wry look at the enormous front grille right now. Pity half of it is actually blanked off to hide the front anti-collision and cruise control radar, but that’s par for the course among rivals, too.

Underneath the G70, if you were to break out the angle grinders, you’d find the same rear-drive platform as the Kia Stinger. The engine line-up is shared too: you can have a 2.0-litre petrol, a 2.2 turbodiesel or a 3.3-litre turbo V6 with 350bhp.

But this isn’t supposed to be a cannibalisation whoopsie that’ll accidentally chomp the Stinger. The Kia is meant to be the sporty one, and the Genesis is the more luxurious one. It has more soundproofing, and you can spec diamond-quilted upholstery inside. Fine, but there are also red brake calipers and gaping oval exhausts on the G70 Turbo Sport. Wonder if Kia’s pleased about that…

Inside, there’s plenty of European influence. A BMW-style tablet infotainment screen, an Audi-esque dash sweep, and more knurled switches than you can shake a Bentley brochure at. Doesn’t look like there’s much Hyundai parts sharing going on either.

There’ll be no estate or coupe: like the Giulia or XE, the G70 is a standard saloon, and Genesis says this is the third and final in its range. Next priorities are SUVs as well as adding electric and hybrid models to the line-up as Genesis aims to start pinching premium German marque sales worldwide.

Top Gear will be grabbing an early drive in the G70 in the next few days. In the meantime, let us know if you reckon it deserves a place among the old guard below…

What the devil is a Genesis G70?
Ambitious, that’s what. It’s a small, rear-drive premium saloon car. So that makes it a rival for – deep breath – the BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS, Audi A4, and Mercedes C-Class. You only need ask the upstart Alfa Romeo Giulia and Jaguar XE how difficult it is to dent that segment.

Oh yeah, the Genesis has to fight those cars too. And, because it’s on sale in Asia and the USA, the likes of Infiniti, plus Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac. See, it’s ambitious.

I’m still not clear on what a Genesis is, though.
In the beginning, there was Hyundai, and then Hyundai begat a luxury offshoot called Genesis after earlier success building a massive barge called the Equus. It’s just like when Toyota created Lexus and Nissan dreamt up Infiniti.

Genesis, meanwhile, has been working its way down the posh saloon size chart, selling 150,000 cars in three years along the way. First we got a G90 (S-Class and 7-Series rival), then a G80 (E-class and 5-Series rival) and now the G70 has arrived to complete the Genesis triple-threat.

The marque has set deep roots in its homeland and the US market, and has won big on customer service surveys. So, the G70 is the classic move to snare younger, less wealthy buyers now the bedrock is steady.

Okay, got it. What has the G70 got, well, going for it?
A platform shared with the reasonably talented Kia Stinger for a kick-off, which means short overhangs, a stiff body, either rear- or four-wheel drive and the option of a 3.3-litre V6 ‘Turbo Sport’ version with 367bhp and a top speed of 168mph. That makes it faster than an M3, all out. It’ll knock off 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds along the way.

Like the Stinger GT then, but this isn’t supposed to be a sporty Audi S4 rival. That’s Kia’s job. Genesis is aimed at being far more refined, and techy. Which they might have overdone, a tad.

Really? What’s it packing?
On Korean market versions, everything from a pop-up pedestrian-friendly bonnet and automatic highway driving assistance galore to the best ergonomic gimmick we’ve heard of in ages. Instead of setting the seat and steering wheel positions with different buttons then saving them to a memory button, the G70’s ‘Smart Posture’ function asks only that you tell the car your height.

It’ll then marshal the seat, steering wheel, mirrors and head-up display to a preset position that ought to perfectly match your body shape. Clever, if your G70 is destined for a household or workplace with drivers sized like the Evolution of Man chart.

You want more? How about launch control? No, not just for the Turbo Sport V6. The 248bhp 2.0-litre petrol G70 has getaway mode too. So does the 200bhp 2.2-litre diesel. All versions also score apex-seeking torque-vectoring. And a proper mechanical limited-slip diff. I’m not joking. Can you guess which German race-track the G70’s been putting the hard development yards in around?

So is the G70 much cop to drive?
There’s plenty about the G70 that makes it feel credible and properly sorted, but it’s not the Nürburgring breeding that leaps out at you. It’s the refinement. Besides an Audi A4, no small saloon hushes up wind noise this well, and at a cruise you could fool yourself into thinking it’s electric. The drivetrain is silent.

If you want it to make noise, it’ll make a good one. The turbo V6 rasps as it revs freely towards 6,500rpm, at which point, like it or not, the eight-speed automatic gearbox will upchange for you. There’s no defined manual mode, but clicking the wheel-mounted paddles gives a temporary override.

Left to its own devices, the transmission is logical and smooth, and quick enough if the G70’s aiming to match the claimed 4.7sec 0-62mph time. It feels properly punchy in the ebb and flow of Seoul freeway traffic. No mean feat, given the all-wheel drive variant weighs a hefty 1,820kg.

Does it look and feel suitably ‘watch out, Europe’ inside?
Tell you what, someone at Genesis has had a sit in a Bentley Flying Spur recently. They’ve observed the winged steering wheel emblem, the diamond-quilted seats and metal-rimmed switchgear and thought “yes, we’ll do…all of that.”

The G70’s cabin is tightly put together and it’s laid out with a very Germanic logic. Three guesses why. There’s plenty of plastic doing its best impression of knurled or brushed metal, but the leather is supple and smells more expensive than we’re used to in Korean cars. It’ll struggle as a chauffeur option: there’s little headroom in the back and not enough foot wiggle space if the driver has their seat set low. Odd, for a car that’s about 60mm longer and 40mm wider than a 3-Series.

Back in the, er, front… the graphics are sharp and there are about four hundred menus and displays to discover. There’s a G-meter and lap timer, for instance.

Is it more luxury saloon than sports saloon, as prescribed?
Definitely. Albert Biermann, the ex-BMW M Division chief who was sensationally poached by Hyundai-Kia to run their performance vehicle programmes, admits that the body control is “perhaps not so good”, but there’s method in the G70’s penchant to wallow when it’s hustled. South Korea is a land of very smooth roads, but also many speed bumps. The locals don’t appear to care about slowing down a great deal for them, so the Korean market G70s we were driving are set up with a dollop of squidge factor in the ride to cope with the sleeping policeman assault course. American market and future European Genesises will have that pitch and wobble tightened up.

And we’ve driven it on circuit. Seriously. Sure, the G70’s no natural track car, but at the technical and undulating Inju Speedium racetrack we were able to try a slightly more focused version. Instead of the AWD G70s we’d driven on the road, a pre-production G70 ‘Dynamic Edition’ was ready to play. Rear-wheel drive, 70kg lighter, with retuned, more direct steering and ride settings much closer to what American customers can expect.

Sounds promising…
And the G70 Dynamic lived up to that billing. It’s more accelerative, better balanced, more agile and genuinely, hilariously playful. There’s M-car DNA woven through this thing, in how it’ll sit steady on the limit of grip, then lock its diff and slide super progressively with a bout of throttle. The rear end squats less, the steering is reassuring and positive, and it’s palpably faster than the AWD car. Seriously, it’s more fun than an Audi S4 or Mercedes C43 and would ask very difficult questions of a Jaguar XE S.

All bodes well, doesn’t it? Genesis is plotting a European invasion in 2019, and its products are getting competitive. Meanwhile, the influence and talent of Albert Biermann and his team is at last making Korean drivers’ cars. Here’s hoping it translates into the Hyundai i30 N hot hatch we’re driving very soon…